The Aramaic word mân, represented by H4479, is an interrogative and relative pronoun meaning who or what. It appears 10 times across 10 unique verses in the Bible. This word functions to ask questions of identity and authority, and also to make indefinite statements about "whosoever" or "whomsoever."
In biblical Aramaic portions, H4479 is used in contexts of authority and sovereignty. It is employed by officials questioning the authority of the returning exiles, asking, "Who hath commanded you to build this house?" (Ezra 5:3, Ezra 5:9). It is also used to ask about identity, as in the question, "What are the names of the men that make this building?" Ezra 5:4. In a challenge to God's power, King Nebuchadnezzar asks rhetorically, "who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?" Daniel 3:15. Conversely, the word is used to declare God's absolute sovereignty, stating that the most High "giveth it [the kingdom of men] to whomsoever he will" (Daniel 4:17, Daniel 4:25, Daniel 5:21).
Several related words clarify the contexts in which H4479 is used:
- H7990 shallîyṭ (rule(-r)): This word is used to describe the authority of the most High, who ruleth in the kingdom of men and gives it to whomsoever He chooses Daniel 4:17.
- H1124 bᵉnâʼ (to build): This action is the subject of the questions in Ezra, where officials ask who commanded the people to build the house of God (Ezra 5:3, Ezra 5:9).
- H5308 nᵉphal (to fall): This verb is used in Nebuchadnezzar's decree, defining the consequence for "whoso falleth not down" to worship the image (Daniel 3:6, Daniel 3:11).
- H5415 nᵉthan (give): The act of God's sovereign choice is expressed with this word, as he giveth the kingdom to whomsoever he will (Daniel 4:25, Daniel 4:32).
The theological and narrative weight of H4479 is significant in the books of Daniel and Ezra.
- Questioning Authority: The word is central to conflicts over rightful power. Officials use "who" to challenge the Jews' authority to build Ezra 5:3, while Nebuchadnezzar uses it to defy any power higher than his own Daniel 3:15.
- Divine Sovereignty: The indefinite use of "whomsoever" is a powerful declaration of God's ultimate control over human affairs. It affirms that God appoints rulers according to his own will, even setting up the "basest of men" to achieve his purposes (Daniel 4:17, Daniel 5:21).
- Establishing Law and Judgment: The term "whoso" is used to set the conditions of a royal decree, making clear who is subject to its punishments. This establishes a universal standard of obedience for all people under the king's rule (Daniel 3:6, Daniel 3:11).
In summary, H4479 mân is a critical Aramaic term that drives narrative tension by questioning authority, defining the scope of royal decrees, and ultimately affirming the absolute sovereignty of God. Whether used to ask "who?" or to declare "whomsoever," it consistently points to the central theme of power and who has the ultimate right to wield it.
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